Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Perfect Chocolate Ganache

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a chocolate cake that’s indulgent yet perfectly balanced, this recipe is the one for you. The combination of coffee and cocoa powder enhances the deep flavor of the chocolate, creating a cake that’s both moist and full of rich chocolatey goodness. The homemade ganache adds an extra layer of decadence, ensuring every slice is as luxurious as it is delicious. It’s perfect for celebrations, or whenever you need a slice of pure chocolate heaven.

Ingredients

For the Cake: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 stick Nescafe (2 grams coffee)
1 cup hot water (very hot)

For the Chocolate Ganache: 200 grams dark chocolate, finely chopped
200 ml heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, sift together 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of white sugar, 3/4 cup of cocoa powder, 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder, 1 1/2 tsp of baking soda, and 1/2 tsp of salt. Set aside.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Dissolve Coffee:
   Dissolve the stick of Nescafe (2 grams of coffee) in 1 cup of very hot water. Add this coffee mixture to the cake batter and mix until smooth.

6. Bake:
   Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

7. Cool:
   Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

1. Heat Cream:
   In a small saucepan, heat 200 ml of heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Do not let it boil.

2. Melt Chocolate:
   Place 200 grams of finely chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1-2 minutes to soften the chocolate.

3. Stir to Combine:
   Gently stir the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

4. Add Butter:
   Stir in 2 tbsp of unsalted butter until fully incorporated and the ganache is silky smooth.

5. Frost the Cake:
   Once the cakes have cooled, spread a generous amount of the ganache over the top of one layer, then place the second layer on top. Pour the remaining ganache over the top and allow it to drizzle down the sides.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields a double-layer cake that serves approximately 8-10 people. The total preparation time is about 45 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes of baking time. The cooling time for the cake takes around 30 minutes, and the ganache will need to set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Variations

• Flavor Infusion: Add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients to intensify the coffee flavor in the cake.
• Frosting Alternative: If you prefer a traditional buttercream frosting, swap the ganache for a rich chocolate buttercream.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter for added crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its freshness, refrigerate the cake for up to 1 week. For the best texture, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cake from being dry?

Ensure you’re measuring your flour accurately and don’t overmix the batter. The coffee helps keep the cake moist, so don’t skip that step.

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate depending on your preference for sweetness.

What can I substitute for Nescafe coffee in this recipe?

You can use any instant coffee or espresso powder for the coffee in the cake. Just make sure it’s dissolved in hot water first.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, the cake can be baked ahead of time and stored at room temperature for a day or refrigerated for up to a week. Frost it just before serving.

How can I make this cake less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cake and opt for a less sweet chocolate for the ganache.

Can I use non-dairy alternatives in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute for the ganache.

Why is my ganache not smooth?

Make sure the cream is hot but not boiling. Stir the mixture gently to avoid separating the ingredients. If it’s too thick, you can add a bit more warm cream to adjust the consistency.

How can I decorate the cake?

You can top the cake with fresh berries, whipped cream, or sprinkles for added decoration.

Can I make this cake into cupcakes?

Yes, this batter works well for cupcakes. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-22 minutes at the same temperature.

Can I make a single-layer cake instead of a double layer?

Absolutely! You can use the same batter for a single-layer cake. Just reduce the baking time slightly, and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Conclusion

This super moist chocolate cake with perfect chocolate ganache is a decadent dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Its rich flavor, paired with the smooth ganache, makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can make this cake for celebrations, or just to treat yourself to something special. Enjoy!